A Close Encounter

Since a number of you enjoyed my recent Green Heron photos and the unusual story I shared on 10/14, I thought I'd throw together an impromptu post to fill you in on the details. I've been tracking a juvenile Green Heron that's spending time along the shore of Gifford Pinchot Lake in York, Pennsylvania. The … Continue reading A Close Encounter

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A Few Birds and a Fisherman

I've changed the blog tagline but not the name. "Personal notes and thoughts on bird activity—and human activity, too!—in and around SE Virginia" is now "Personal notes and thoughts on birds, bird photography, and, on occasion, human life." It's interesting. Since leaving the Coastal Plain of Virginia, I've said to myself and others a number … Continue reading A Few Birds and a Fisherman

Capturing Moments

I ended my last blog, "Old Friends," with the following quote: "And when confronted by a seemingly alien place, say a desert or mountain tundra, the birds carry me from confusion to understanding." The idea that birds can carry us from confusion to understanding is an intriguing and powerful one.  Human Activity Folks have asked … Continue reading Capturing Moments

Old Friends

My last blog, and final Virginia blog, was "A Tale of Seven Birds." I could have called this one "A Tale of Four." It's a story about 4 birds and my assorted adventures photographing them. It's also a quick read. You'll see why in a moment. I've referred to birds as markers, fellow travelers, nature's … Continue reading Old Friends

A Tale of Seven Birds

The Carolina Wren featured in "Some Elements of a Good Photo" signaled the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency. But, it didn't know about the Delta variant and the return to mask mandates. The Common Yellowthroat never has to give mask mandates a second thought. It's forever attired in a black one. I wrote … Continue reading A Tale of Seven Birds

Self-Care to Spoonbills

My wife and I may be getting closer to moving day, but I still try to find time to bird, to photograph birds, and to learn about photography (and everything else). I also still try to find time to write. Even in the midst of a move, and maybe especially in the midst of a … Continue reading Self-Care to Spoonbills

Some Elements of a Good Photo

Here's a Carolina Wren singing in our backyard. He was signaling the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency in Virginia. And here's a photo of a Great Crested Flycatcher. I posted it on another site with these words: "If you're blue, and you don't know where to go to, spend a few moments looking … Continue reading Some Elements of a Good Photo

A Few Good Bird Photography Tips

Hi, everyone. I haven't written anything in a while because my wife and I are selling/moving/house-hunting. The process is all-consuming, as many of you know. We're leaving southeastern Virginia and heading to central PA. We're heading for the hills. At some point, I'll have to change the name of the blog. I'm considering "Susquehanna River … Continue reading A Few Good Bird Photography Tips

The Joy of Discovery

I began "A Few Words About Birds" this way: "A recent opinion piece in The Virginian-Pilot, Virginia’s largest daily newspaper, began with the words: 'First of all, thank you for reading.' I’d like to begin, here, the same way. First of all, thank you for reading. I mean that, sincerely." That was followed by a … Continue reading The Joy of Discovery

Birds’ Stories

Before we leave off reviewing the Canon full-frame mirrorless EOS R5, I want to share with you a great B&H Photo and Video podcast. The title: "Mirrorless System Advantages for Bird Photography." It features 2 professional bird photographers, one of whom has made the switch from DSLR's to the mirrorless R system and one of … Continue reading Birds’ Stories